21st August 2025, Jaipur – In the realm of high-stakes interior design — where timelines are tight, expectations are exacting, and every object must carry the weight of intent — lighting is never an afterthought. It is, in fact, the signature — the final stroke on the canvas that elevates a well-designed space into an unforgettable one.

And in that rarefied space, where the margin for error is as narrow as the brief is bold, one name is quietly — but confidently — earning trust where it matters most: Lumeil.

The Brand Designers Do Not Just Admire — They Rely On

Lumeil, India’s most curated e-commerce destination for decorative lighting, has become the insider’s choice for architects and interior designers building homes for the country’s top 1%. Not because it dazzles with noise. But because it delivers — on time, with taste, and without compromise.

Lumeil has lit up India’s most exacting projects with products that are not only beautiful but bulletproof in their reliability. In a category flooded with inconsistency, Lumeil has earned a reputation as a procurement partner who understands the stakes.

“Quiet Luxury” Is a Mood — But Also a Method

Every piece on Lumeil’s platform is hand-selected, designer-approved, and thoroughly vetted. But beyond the surface sheen lies what truly sets the brand apart: an invisible infrastructure of precision coordination, real-time inventory accuracy, and proactive support.

It is the kind of operational excellence that is often invisible to the end user — but invaluable to the professionals behind the build.

“We don’t just work with brands we love — we work with partners we trust,” says a Mumbai-based interior architect who has specified Lumeil lights across multiple homes in Udaipur, Goa, and London.

“Lumeil has never let us down — and that is rare in this industry.”

A Curated Platform. A Studio Mindset.

Unlike traditional marketplaces drowning in endless scrolls of generic options and catalog overwhelm, Lumeil has built its model more like a private design studio. The experience is white glove, the interface is intuitive, and the team speaks the language of design, not discounts.

Its collections are not trend-chasing, but trend-transcending — refined for those who do not need lighting that shouts but speaks. Whether it is the textured quiet of an alabaster sconce or the sculptural drama of a statement chandelier, the Lumeil edit feels deliberate, not decorative.

For Projects That Cannot Fail, Neither Can the Lighting

Lumeil’s B2B partnerships are built not just on product curation, but on project fluency — the ability to anticipate needs, match mood boards with inventory, and problem-solve mid-project with grace and speed.

It is why the country’s top design practices return — not because they are wooed, but because they are understood.

“We built Lumeil for people who love beauty but cannot afford delay. For clients who are discerning, yes — but also deadline-bound. We understand that in this business, reliability is the real luxury.”

— Naman Jain, Co-Founder, Lumeil

Ras Al Khaimah, UAE , August 21, 2025: Ras Al Khaimah is experiencing an unprecedented real estate boom, rapidly emerging as one of the most dynamic property markets in the United Arab Emirates, guided by the forward-looking vision of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.

The Emirate is shaping its skyline as it builds its resilient, diversified economy, in line with its ambitious strategy that centers around sound planning, sustainability, enhancing quality of life for its citizens and residents and world-class developments.

In the past three years, property sales and prices have surged in Ras Al Khaimah, driven by a wave of hospitality, commercial and residential projects. Moreover, an expected population growth from 0.4 million to 0.65 million by 2030 is set to generate demand for an estimated 45,000 additional residential units. This sustained growth is anchored in a diversified economy, investor-friendly regulations and the entry of global developers into the market, such as Emaar, Aldar and Ellington, alongside local leaders Marjan, Al Hamra and RAK Properties.

At the forefront of Ras Al Khaimah’s transformation is Al Marjan Island, a premier waterfront destination making strides in the sector under the leadership of CEO Eng. Abdullah Al Abdooli, and playing host to ultra-luxury brands including Wynn, JW Marriott, Nobu, Missoni and The Address. Further expanding its offering, Marjan is developing RAK Central, a multifunctional hub that blends business, lifestyle and innovation, and is set to become one of the Northern Emirates’ largest commercial districts. The development features premium Grade-A offices and prioritizes environmental sustainability through cutting-edge green building practices, in line with the Emirate’s 2030 Vision.

For its part, developer Al Hamra, led by CEO Benoy Kurien, continues to set the standard for integrated living with Al Hamra Village’s more than 4,000 homes, golf course and vibrant community of over 10,000 residents, complemented by major projects such as Waldorf Astoria Residences, Falcon Island, Al Hamra Waterfront and the Emirate’s largest and most popular retail hub – Manar Mall.

Further along the coast, RAK Properties is enhancing the Emirate’s shoreline with its flagship Mina development, already home to award-winning resorts, such as Anantara Mina Ras Al Khaimah and InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah. The development is gearing up to welcome upcoming additions, such as Nikki Beach, Staybridge Suites and the planned Four Seasons.

“The vision for Ras Al Khaimah is becoming a reality,” said RAK Properties Chairman Abdulaziz Abdullah Al Zaabi. “We are creating a vibrant, sustainable environment that is attracting global investment while maintaining the unique culture and natural heritage of our Emirate.”

Meanwhile, the company’s CEO Sameh Muhtadi asserted that: “What we have seen over the past couple of years is remarkable. We are witnessing unprecedented global interest – and this momentum will only continue.”

Underpinning Ras Al Khaimah’s real estate evolution is a robust infrastructure. The Emirate boasts eight hospitals, including the state-of-the-art RAK Hospital, and a modern education system where private schools are regulated by the Department of Knowledge. Additionally, the Emirate consistently ranks among the safest places in the world, adding to its growing livability credentials.

Tourism is another central pillar of the Emirate’s advancement, setting a record in 2024 that saw Ras Al Khaimah welcome 1.28 million tourists, drawn by attractions such as Jais Flight – the world’s longest zipline – Bear Grylls Explorers Camp and 1484 by Puro, the UAE’s highest-altitude restaurant. A leading stakeholder in the sector is RAK Hospitality Holding, which, under CEO Alison Grinnell, continues to drive the tourism-hospitality nexus with strategic hotel acquisitions and innovative offerings.

Ras Al Khaimah is undeniably one of the fastest-growing markets in the region, industry leaders agree, as new beachfront apartments, luxury villas, golf communities and lifestyle hubs continue to attract investors and residents alike. At the heart of it all is Ras Al Khaimah’s 2030 Vision – a sustainable, inclusive strategy that places people at its core. With more global developers, investors and residents joining the journey, the Emirate is becoming a benchmark for smart urban growth, vibrant communities and opportunity-driven living.

Pune records 14,622 property registrations in July 2025; collects over INR 648 crores in stamp duty revenue: Knight Frank India

Pune, 20^th August, 2025: Knight Frank India, in its latest report, noted that property registrations in Pune rose 6% year-on-year (YoY) to 14,622 July 2025, generating INR 648 crore in stamp duty revenue in the month. Stamp duty collections increased by 24% YoY in July 2025.

Property registrations and Stamp duty collection

 

Year	Month	Total Registration	Stamp Duty Collection (INR Cr)
2024	July	13,731	521
2024	August	13,645	599
2024	September	11,056	508
2024	October	20,894	751
2024	November	13,371	475
2024	December	17,348	620
2025	January	17,449	638
2025	February	19,025	713
2025	March	24,495	960
2025	April	14,421	547
2025	May	12,037	426
2025	June	16,792	643
2025	July	14,622	648

Source: Knight Frank Research, Maharashtra Govt- Dept. of Registrations and Stamps (IGR)

 Property registration and Stamp duty collection

 

Period		Registrations (Units)		Stamp duty collection (INR cr)
July-24		13,731		521
July-25		14,622		648
YoY Change		6%		24%

A year-to-date (YTD) assessment reveals that Pune’s property market remained  stable in terms of number of property registrations, recording its highest property registration volume as well as stamp duty collections for a comparable period in the past four years. Compared to the same period last year, property registrations rose by 15% while stamp duty collections saw a 20% increase.

 Property registration and Stamp duty collection

 

Period (Jan-Jul)	Registrations (Units)	Revenue (INR cr)
2022	83,680	2,792
2023	78,002	2,803
2024	113,711	4,144
2025	130,860	4,983
YoY Change	15%	20%

 

Demand rises across segments in July 2025

The share of homes priced above INR 1 crore rose from 14% in July 2024 to 16% in July 2025, highlighting growing interest in premium housing. However, with properties priced up to INR 1 crore still accounting for the overwhelming majority at 83%, the overall demand remains largely anchored in the up to 1 crore segment, indicating a market that is expanding at the top while staying broad-based at its core.

Share of ticket size for residential property transactions

Ticket size		Share in July 2024		Share in July 2025
Under INR 25 lakhs		29%		28%
INR 25 – 50 lakhs		30%		28%
INR 50 lakhs – 1 Cr		27%		27%
INR 1 Cr – 2.5 Cr		12%		14%
INR 2.5 Cr – 5 Cr		2%		2%
Over 5 Cr		<=1%		<=1%

Source: Knight Frank Research, Maharashtra Govt- Dept. of Registrations and Stamps (IGR)

Shishir Baijal, Chairman & Managing Director, Knight Frank India, stated, “Pune’s housing market held onto its growth streak in July 2025, with property registrations rising 6% YoY and stamp duty collections jumping 24% over last year. Strong market fundamentals, backed by steady demand in the mid to high-value categories and preference for larger apartments, continue to drive activity.”

 

Higher demand for larger apartments sustains

 

The demand for larger apartments remains strong, with the share of units exceeding 800 sq ft rising from 31% in July 2024 to 33% in July 2025. This trend underscores the continued preference for spacious homes in the post-pandemic era.

Share of area for residential property transactions

 

Area in sq ft		Share in July 2024		Share in July 2025
Under 500		23%		23%
500-800		46%		44%
800-1000		13%		14%
1000- 2000		15%		16%
Over 2000		2%		3%

Source: Knight Frank Research, Maharashtra Govt- Dept. of Registrations and Stamps (IGR)

 

Central Pune contributed 76% of residential transactions in July 2025

In July 2025, Central Pune which includes Haveli Taluka, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), maintained its lead in residential transactions, accounting for 76% of the market. However, this represented a slight decline from the previous year as emerging developments in other parts of the city catered to evolving home buyer preferences. West Pune, which includes Mawal, Mulshi, and Velhe, held the second-largest share at 15%, while North, South, and East Pune collectively contributed 9% of transactions during the same period.

Share of micro markets for residential property transactions

Micro market		Share in July 2024		Share in July 2025
North		6%		4%
South		3%		4%
East		1%		1%
West		13%		15%
Central		77%		76%

Source: Knight Frank Research, Maharashtra Govt- Dept. of Registrations and Stamps (IGR

Micro Markets
Zone		Taluka
North		Junnar, Ambegaon, Khed
South		Bhor, Purandhar, Baramati, Indapur
East		Shirur, Daund
West		Mawal, Mulshi, Velhe
Central		Haveli, Pune city (Pune Municipal corporation (PMC) & Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC))

20th August 2025: India’s dental market is witnessing strong growth, supported by increasing demand for advanced treatments, rising oral health awareness, and easier access to quality supplies. With dental technology evolving rapidly, clinics and practitioners are increasingly relying on specialized B2B platforms to access everything from equipment and materials to digital solutions and innovations. Driving this transformation are B2B dental companies that seamlessly connect clinics, distributors, and practitioners with the right products, technology, and support to enhance patient care.

These companies are not just streamlining procurement but also shaping the future of the dental industry by making products more affordable, accessible, and efficient for professionals across India. By bridging the gap between manufacturers and practitioners, they play a critical role in ensuring dental practices can keep pace with global standards.

Here’s a look at four key platforms that are leading the charge and revolutionizing India’s dental ecosystem.

Dentalkart

Dentalkart is India’s leading online destination for dental supplies and the most recognized name in the country’s dental e-commerce space. Founded in 2016 and now listed on the NSE, Dentalkart offers an extensive range of over 20,000 products across 700 categories, sourced directly from more than 500 manufacturers. Whether you’re looking for consumables, instruments, or equipment, Dentalkart provides competitive pricing, and a seamless ordering experience. Its user-friendly interface, fast delivery network that reaches even remote areas, and responsive customer support have made it the trusted choice for hundreds of thousands of dentists across India. Committed to creating the most dependable and accessible dental marketplace in the country, Dentalkart continues to set the benchmark for e-commerce in the dental industry.

Unicorn DenMart

A pioneer in dental equipment distribution, Unicorn DenMart has been serving Indian dentists for over three decades. Known for introducing world-class technologies to India, Unicorn partners with leading international brands to supply dental chairs, CAD/CAM systems, lasers, and imaging equipment. What sets it apart is its strong after-sales network, with showrooms, service centers, and training hubs spread across the country. This ensures that dentists not only receive cutting-edge equipment but also the technical support and training to use them effectively. Unicorn continues to be a reliable bridge between global dental technology and Indian practitioners.

ToothKart

ToothKart is gaining attention as a fast-growing online dental store with a strong presence in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. It focuses on delivering competitively priced dental supplies without compromising quality. Their platform is beginner-friendly and often features promotions targeted at dental students and newly established clinics. As they continue to expand their product range, ToothKart is becoming a popular choice for price-sensitive professionals and those just starting out.

Septodont India

A subsidiary of the global Septodont Group, Septodont India plays a key role in supplying reliable dental anesthetics, restorative solutions, and endodontic products to Indian practitioners. Globally recognized for its expertise in dental anesthetics, the company has brought the same standards of quality and safety to the Indian market. Beyond supplying products, Septodont invests in education, training, and awareness initiatives to promote safe and effective practices. With its global R&D backing and commitment to local needs, Septodont India has become a trusted B2B partner for dental clinics and distributors across the country.

19th August 2025, Kishangarh :  There is a quiet renaissance unfolding in the world of high design. After a decade of high-shine synthetics and engineered perfection, the most discerning architects and tastemakers are returning to what is rare, real, and enduring: natural marble.

This is not nostalgia. In an era where so much is manufactured, the unrepeatable artistry of nature feels like the ultimate luxury. Each marble block holds millions of years of geological history; every vein is a one-off, a signature drawn by the earth itself.

The Desire for Authenticity

For those who live and work in the details, marble is never just a surface. It is a statement of permanence in a transient world. In a penthouse lobby, it speaks of authority; in a private residence, of intimacy and heritage. It is as much about connection to the earth as it is about aesthetics — a grounding presence in the whirlwind of modern life.

Why Designers Are Recommending Marble Again

Tactile Opulence – Unlike engineered materials, marble interacts with light, its depth and texture shifting throughout the day.

Design Versatility – From minimalist contemporary villas to richly layered classical interiors, marble adapts without ever losing its identity.

Sustainability Through Longevity – A well-installed marble floor or wall can last for generations, making it as responsible as it is beautiful.

Tilak Marbles: At the Forefront of This Revival

With over three decades of heritage, Tilak Marbles has been a quiet yet influential presence in India’s evolving design landscape. Their portfolio spans the serene warmth of beige, the purity of white, the sophistication of grey, and rare exotics from storied quarries across the world. Each block is chosen for its color fidelity, vein clarity, and structural integrity — ensuring that every installation is both visually exceptional and architecturally sound.

A Material That Transcends Time

Marble is not a seasonal trend. It is a design constant — reinterpreted by each generation yet always carrying the same intrinsic value. In a market where true luxury is increasingly defined by authenticity and meaning, marble’s place is secure.

And for those who understand its language, there is — and always will be — no substitute.

By – Dr. Prashant Thakur, Executive Director & Head – Research & Advisory, ANAROCK Group

Mumbai 19 August 2025: Over the last ten years, the cost of constructing real estate has increased inexorably. The rise has been especially brutal since 2021, for several reasons – inflation, supply chain disruptions, increased demand for infrastructure, global macro-economic events, and evolving government policy.

In five years from 2019 to 2024, the cost of constructing homes went up by about 40%. In three years alone, it rose by 27.3% – in October 2021, the average cost for Grade A projects in a tier-1 city was approx. INR 2,200/sq. ft. By October 2024, it had gone up to approx. INR 2,800/sq. ft.

Cost Components:

Raw materials (cement, steel, copper, aluminium): Cement prices declined by a significant 15%, while steel prices only dropped by 1% over the last year. But in five years, both materials went up by 30–57%. Copper and aluminium prices went up even more. Copper prices went up 19% in one year and as high as 91% in five years (2019–2024).

Labour costs: Probably the biggest factor behind the overall cost increases, this went up 25% in the last year, and 150% since 2019.

Other costs: Construction budgets have also been impacted by the rising costs of approvals, logistics (due to rising fuel prices), compliance, and overhead costs.

City-specific variations: Major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore always have higher costs – property prices and labour costs are higher, and there is a greater need for trained workers. On the other hand, tier-2 and tier-3 cities and those with easier access to cheap land and materials, have lower overall construction costs.

Affordable housing projects tend to involve the lowest costs per square foot, with standard materials and basic finishes, starting from INR 1,500–INR 2,000/sq. ft even in metros.

Mid-range homes Call for higher-grade materials and branded fixtures and fittings, with costs typically INR 2,000–INR 2,800/sq ft or higher.

Luxury projects tend to use imported finishes and involve high-end architecture and advanced amenities. These push construction costs above INR 3,000–INR 5,000/sq. ft in top cities.

Impact on Property Prices & Developer Strategies

On property buyers – Most developers tend to pass on increased input costs, either in part or completely, to their buyers. Recent data shows that at least 5–6% of the total input cost increases are directly reflected in housing prices. In affordable housing, even a hike of INR 500–INR 800/sq. ft can sharply impact buyer access, since an increase of INR 5 lakh is a massive additional burden for price-sensitive buyers when compared to those who buy premium or luxury housing.

On developers’ profit margins – Smaller players who develop affordable housing already face thinner margins and are often unable to absorb even small cost increases. Many such developers have slowed down their launches or cut corners on amenities. In contrast, larger developers and luxury segment players can absorb cost increases because they enjoy higher margins and wield higher brand value

Homebuyer agreements: Most builder-buyer agreements include escalation charges, letting developers adjust sale prices upward along with cost increases, especially for under construction projects. This legal flexibility in the absence of regulatory constraints is behind much of the price transmission to buyers.

Housing prices: The combined effect has resulted in residential real estate prices rising by between 9-12% annually in recent years, with the increased construction costs a major driver along with rising land costs and reducing inventory. Pricing power remains strongest in metro cities, with less pronounced effects in smaller towns and cities where demand is lower.

Segment-Specific Trends: Affordable vs. Mid-Range vs. Luxury

Affordable housing – Developers in this segment face the greatest construction cost-related constraints, as their target buyers are extremely price sensitive. Any increase in costs significantly impacts demand and can even result in stalled sales – as is seen in the massive decline in affordable launches share – 40% in 2019 to 12% in H1 2025, and sales share – 38% in 2019 to 18% in H1 2025 as per ANAROCK Research data.

Mid-range projects – These projects have some flexibility when it comes to transmitting higher costs to buyers; however, inflation and policy shocks can still edge out a big chunk of buyers in this segment.

Luxury projects – Cost hikes are more easily absorbed by this buyer group, which looks for premium features and tends to have bigger budgets. Price increases are also factored into brand perceptions and the desire for exclusivity. In short, this buyer segment is the least affected by higher input costs.

Tariffs’ Potential Impact on Construction Costs – at 25% & 50%

The key construction materials that are impacted by tariffs are steel, aluminium, cement, equipment, and foreign finishings which are typically sourced from countries like China, US, and Europe. The immediate impact of a 25% tariff is that construction costs for projects that depend on imports could rise by 1.5–2.5% over current levels, over and above the baseline inflation and market-driven escalation.

However, if a 50% tariff is imposed, the scenario turns gloomier. Such a tariff level would potentially push construction costs for the most import-dependent projects up by 5% or more. Supply chain disruptions could increase price volatility well beyond the calculations of the tariff itself if retaliatory measures spread globally.

Impacts:

Project pipelines: Developers may slow-lane or delay projects that rely heavily on imported materials, especially luxury or commercial projects.

Cost increases for buyers: In the affordable and mid-segments, further price rises would likely put home ownership out of reach for many more Indians, worsening demand patterns already flagging due to market uncertainty.

Developer strategies: Some developers may start sourcing their materials locally, preferring indigenous materials or alternative products to reduce cost risks. However, such a transition will take time and may not be enough to fully offset the inflationary effect

Economic impact: Any sustained escalation of trade tensions would further derail the affordable housing sector, which already took a massive hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and input inflation. This would result in further sales drops and more loan defaults in this segment.

Over the last ten years, the cost of residential real estate construction has gone up in cycles, and this has been made worse recently by global events, inflation, regulatory delays, and now tariffs. The potential of higher tariffs adds even more uncertainty, which might lead to a bigger affordability crisis, delayed launches, and financial strain for both developers and buyers.

Incentives, local sourcing, and regulatory measures are among the government and business actions that can help stabilize costs and housing affordability in the future.

Potential Impact of GST Reforms

The revised GST structuring signalled by the government can make a positive difference to construction costs. It has been proposed that there will only be two key rates of 5% and 18%, and that GST on cement will be reduced from 28% to 18%. This would be a major relief as it would decrease the overall tax burden on critical input costs. Developers will have to pay less for cement, steel and other inputs and will also benefit from simplified regulatory compliance.

The GST reforms can deliver bring modest but meaningful reductions in housing prices. For affordable housing, which is currently taxed at 1%, the reduction would be limited though lower input costs – especially if input tax credits (ITC) are restored – can lower prices by up to 2–4%. In the mid-segment, a GST reduction from 5% to 3% could cut prices by 2–3%. In the luxury homes segment, we could at best expect nuanced changes because while input costs may reduce, the luxury items used in such projects may be subject to the highest 40% rate, thus reducing the potential for price reductions.

18th August 2025, Kishangarh: In the fast-shifting world of luxury interiors, where trends often burn bright and fade quickly, one design truth endures: neutrals never go out of style. Beige, white, and grey — often understated, always elegant — form the foundation of some of the world’s most timeless spaces.

These hues are more than just background players; they are the quiet orchestrators of balance, light, and sophistication. In marble, they reveal their most luxurious form — veining that dances subtly in sunlight, tones that shift with the day, and surfaces that whisper refinement rather than shout for attention.

Tilak Marbles, with its three-decade legacy, has curated some of the most sought-after neutral marbles from India and beyond. Their palette is not just a product catalogue — it is a distillation of what works, what lasts, and what elevates. From creamy beige stones that add warmth to modern minimalism, to crisp whites that amplify natural light, to versatile greys that anchor contemporary design, Tilak’s selection reflects a deep understanding of how color lives in a space over time.

“When a client chooses beige, white, or grey marble, they are not choosing ‘safe’ — they are choosing ‘enduring,’” says Praveen Gangwal, Founder of Tilak Marbles. “These shades adapt to changing furniture, lighting, and personal style. That’s why they work for a lifetime — and beyond.”

Designers agree that investing in neutrals is about more than aesthetics. It is a practical choice, too — ensuring that spaces can evolve without the need for costly material changes. The right block of Statuario white or soft Fior di Bosco grey does not just define a room; it future proofs it.

In a marketplace overflowing with surface options, Tilak Marbles’ curated neutrals stand out because they are selected with an eye for rarity and longevity. Each block tells a story, not of fleeting fashion, but of permanence. And in a time when luxury increasingly means lasting value, that may be the most fashionable choice of all.